Kingdoms have united in Europe, states have united in the Americas, and now it’s the emirates' turn in the Middle East. Well, it’s not really a new fusion, but it is only in recent history that the United Arab Emirates is making a mark in the world of business, technology and tourism. People should take notice because the UAE is fast rivaling the UK and the US in international significance and tourism appeal. Below are a few things you should know about the UAE.

It is the union of seven emirates, which are nations or territories that are ruled by an emir (thus the name, “emirate”). These are Umm al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaima, Ajman, Fujairah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Not many know the first five but the last two should ring a bell. Technically, these are territories or cities (not counties), and UAE is one country.

Abu Dhabi is the most well-known and most successful since it was the first emirate that decided to export its oils around the world. It is the capital emirate and the center of everything (trade, business, technology, politics and culture) in UAE. In 2007, CNN declared Abu Dhabi as the richest city in the world.

The UAE is oil-rich. This is not a surprise since the Middle East has always been synonymous to oil and wealth. UAE has the seventh largest oil reserve in the world, which also makes it the seventh city in the world with the highest per capita income, which in turn makes the United Arab Emirates the seventh richest country in the world according to Maps of World. (The richest in the list is neighboring Qatar.)

Meanwhile, the Middle East is still highly misunderstood by most people in the West. It might come as a surprise to many that UAE is governed by a constitution that is similar to the ones held by the rest of the free world – governed by liberty, equality, law, freedom of speech and presumption of innocence. It also upholds Human Rights for everyone.

And last but definitely not the least, people should know about the many world-class attractions in UAE, such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, Palm Islands and Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, among others.

Although Dubai is known to be a big city amongst other UAE cities, the city is not particularly wide spread making getting around Dubai by plane insignificant. This means that you can get from one place to another in a relatively short span of time. But even with that said, Dubai may not be the most pedestrian-friendly city. Getting around Dubai would then require the use of something motorized than just simply going around by foot. Luckily, there are plenty of transportation options around the city.

Getting around in Dubai by water taxi

The United Arab Emirates prides themselves with an impressive network of highways and roads that connect Dubai to major towns making getting around Dubai on land rather amusing. Air-conditioned cabs in Dubai are plenty which can either be booked by phone or hailed on the street. Taxis, which are operated by the Dubai Transport Corporation, are metered taxis and can be distinguished by their unformed drivers and cream-colored cars. Most cab drivers are friendly that can speak and understand enough English to get to where you want to go. A trip across town would not cost more than 40-50 dirhams so make sure to not spend any more than that. [Read more…]

Despite how cosmopolitan Dubai may seem, the city is still a Muslim country where tourists and visitors of the nation much respect the local religion at all times. But among all the United Arab Emirates, Dubai may be the most lenient destination with regard to rules and regulations, most especially when it comes to what to wear in Dubai.

Casual outfits in Dubai

Most people would have envisioned men from Dubai wearing white robes while the women wore black from head to toe. But Dubai has certainly taken fashion to a whole new level. Today, many women are fond of intricate embroidery and beautiful designs where one cannot help but admire such details. In addition, many fashion-forward men and women are fond of designer brands such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton. [Read more…]

When it comes to shopping in Dubai, you simply can’t go wrong. There are lots of places to go to avail of great deals on your favorite items. You can either go by the more traditional way of shopping in local street markets where bargains abound or go the modern way and shop at department stores and malls.

Dubai Mercato Shopping Mall

When shopping in the local street markets and bazaar stalls, you will find a variety of items that are of high quality, yet very reasonably priced. For example, you can buy fresh produce, eat the local delicacies, get discounts on fabric and clothes, buy fabulous accessories and fancy jewelry, buy precious antiques or collectors’ items, and so much more. Get the feel of the community and witness first-handedly the diversity of the cultures in Dubai. You can even buy lots of souvenirs and other memorabilia at very low prices. If you don’t have a very large budget, you may opt to visit some of the quality surplus shops and bargain stores around as well. [Read more…]

Stories of the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai are precisely the reason why people from all over the world are drawn to this Middle-Eastern city. Luckily, the location of Dubai, with coordinates 25°15’00N 55°18’00E, makes it easily accessible regardless of where a traveler is coming from. Like most destinations, getting to Dubai by air is the ideal way. There are approximately 80 airlines that operate to and from the Dubai International Airport. The regular operation of flights to and from the city is encouraged by the open skies policy of Dubai which involves the liberalization of rules and regulations that usually restrict the international aviation industry.

Dubai International Airport

Flights between the UK and Dubai have the most in number. The daily numerous departures then allow passengers the flexibility to choose their most preferred times. An early morning flight that leaves London will have you arrive in Dubai just in time for dinner. Passengers could then avoid being inconvenienced by arriving extremely early in the morning or in the middle of the night. [Read more…]

Dubai is a favorite destination of the rich and famous from across the world due to high standard quality of life. The city is filled with duty free shopping malls, shiny skyscrapers and attractive mosques that encourage visitors to see Dubai for themselves. However, experiencing the culture and festivals in Dubai is said to be the best way to visit the city.

Dubai Desert Rock

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures with an influx of the foreign population. Despite so, the culture of Dubai is still essentially Muslim which has left an undeniable mark on the way of life of the city. Arabic is still declared to be the official language of Dubai but foreign languages are taught in schools as well. [Read more…]